Wall mount system and method

ABSTRACT

A mounting system is provided. The mounting system is adapted for mounting a device such as a video display on a surface such as a wall for example. Mounting system configurations include a tray to help align a mating feature with a keyhole opening. Other configurations include a retaining device to hold a mating feature within the mounting system for added security. Other configurations include a locking device to prohibit unwanted motion of the retaining device and theft protection.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to devices and methods for mounting devices onsurfaces such as a wall, ceiling, inclined surface, etc. Specifically,but not by way of limitation, this application relates to devices andmethods for supporting display screens such as flat panel displayscreens on a wall.

BACKGROUND

One common device that is mounted on a surface such as a wall includes avideo display screen. Examples of video display screens includetelevision monitors, computer monitors, information kiosks, etc. Displayscreens are commonly mounted on surfaces such as walls, ceilings,inclined surfaces, etc. Display screens are also mounted on othersupport structures such as poles or carts. One type of display screenthat is becoming more common is a flat panel display screen. Such flatpanel displays include, LCD monitors, plasma discharge monitors, newconfigurations of CRT monitors, etc. Mounting systems are needed tosecure these flat panel display screens to surfaces where they are to beused.

What is needed is a mounting system that more easily connects betweenthe device and the surface that the device is to be secured to. What isalso needed is a mounting system that provides increased security indevice retention at the mounted location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a front view of a mounting system according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B shows a back view of a mounting system according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1C shows a close up view of a portion of a mounting systemaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section view of a mounting system according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a back view of another mounting system according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a back view of another mounting system according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A shows a component of a mounting system according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B shows another component of a mounting system according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5C shows another component of a mounting system according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5D shows an assembly of a mounting system according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A shows an exploded cross section view of a mounting systemaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B shows another cross section view of a mounting system accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7A shows an isometric view of a mounting system according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7B shows a back view of a mounting system according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7C shows a cross section view of a mounting system according to anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown,by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention maybe practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantiallysimilar components throughout the several views. In the followingdetailed description, the term selectively actuated is used in contrastto automatically actuated. A selective operation, or a device capable ofselective operation is controlled by a user, and is not triggeredautomatically. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Otherembodiments may be utilized and structural, logical changes, etc. may bemade without departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1A shows a mounting system 100 according to an embodiment of theinvention. The mounting system 100 includes a mounting frame 110 havinga number of securing features 112. In one embodiment, the mounting frame110 includes a mounting strip of a length that can be chosen based ondimensions of the device to be mounted. One possible range of striplengths is from 250 mm to 1850 mm, although the invention is not solimited. In one embodiment, the securing features 112 include slots thathave an advantage of providing several possible locations for mountingthe mounting frame with a screw or other fastener. In one embodiment,multiple holes are used as the securing features 112. A number ofkeyhole openings 120 are shown on the mounting frame 110 in FIG. 1A. Inone embodiment, the keyhole openings 120 are spaced apart on multiplesof 100 mm.

Generally speaking, in one embodiment, a keyhole opening 120 includes anentry portion 122, and a capture portion 124. In FIG. 1A, the entryportion 122 includes a substantially round portion that is shaped toallow a mating feature on a device to pass through the entry portion122. In one embodiment, the entry portion 122 is shaped to allow a headof a shoulder bolt to pass through the entry portion 122. In oneembodiment, the capture portion 124 is shaped to hold a mating featurewhen the mating feature is moved to the capture portion 124 of thekeyhole opening 120. In one embodiment, the capture portion, 124includes a slot that is sized to closely fit a shoulder on a shoulderbolt, while being thinner than a head on the shoulder bolt. One ofordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the present disclosurewill recognize that several possible fasteners other than shoulder boltsare possible, including hex head bolts, screw, nails, speciallyfabricated fasteners, etc. Likewise, one of ordinary skill in the art,having the benefit of the present disclosure will recognize that severalpossible geometries of keyhole openings (in addition to the conventionalshape illustrated in FIG. 1) are possible for accepting a wide range ofpossible fasteners.

In operation, a mating feature, or fastener, is coupled to a device,such as a video display device. Part of the mating feature is theninserted into the entry portion 122 of the keyhole opening 120. Themating feature is moved from the entry portion 122 into the captureportion 124, where it is held to provide a level of mounting stability.

An opening 114 is included in the mounting frame 110 of FIG. 1A topermit access to a tab 132. In one embodiment, the tab 132 is coupled toa retaining device 130 that is discussed in more detail below.

FIG. 1B shows a back side of the mounting system 100. The retainingdevice 130 is shown, including a number of retaining features 140. Inone embodiment, the retaining features 140 include an entry portion 142and a capture portion 144. In one embodiment, the retaining featuresinclude an “L” shaped slot. As shown in FIG. 1B, the tab 132 isavailable to actuate the retaining device in a range of motion. In oneembodiment, the retaining device 130 includes a retaining bar. Inselected retaining bar embodiments, at least one distal end of theretaining device 130 protrudes from one or more sides of the mountingframe 110. In such embodiments, the distal ends of the retaining deviceare available, in addition or instead of the tab 132, to actuate theretaining device in its range of motion.

Although a retaining bar embodiment is shown in FIG. 1B with a slidinglinear range of motion, other retaining devices are within the scope ofthe invention. Other geometries of retaining devices are possible, aswell as other ranges of motion such as rotational, or motion through alinkage, etc. Using a bar configuration of a retaining device and alinear range of motion as shown in FIG. 1B, the mounting system 100 isreduced in complexity, and manufacturing costs are low.

FIG. 1C shows a close up view of one embodiment of a mounting system100. a mating feature 150 such as a shoulder bolt or other fastener isshown located within the capture portion 124 of the keyhole opening 120.In the device state illustrated in FIG. 1C, the mating feature 150 isallowed to enter the entry portion 122 of the keyhole opening 120 aswell as the entry portion 142 of the retaining feature 140. Inoperation, the retaining device 130 is then selectively actuated bymoving the retaining device 130 in the range of motion 146. When themating feature 150 is located within the capture portion 144, the matingfeature is securely retained within the mounting system 100, and cannotbe removed without actuating the retaining device 130 to an openposition in the range of motion.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section view of a mounting system 200according to selected embodiments as described above. A device 160 suchas a flat panel display is shown with the mating feature 150 coupled tothe device 160. The mounting frame 110 is shown coupled to a solidstructure 170 in a wall such as a framing stud. A pair of fasteners 116are shown coupling to the solid structure 170 through a surface cladding172 such as drywall. As can be seen from FIG. 2 in cross section, arecess is formed in the mounting frame 110 to guide the retaining device130.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a mounting system 300 similar toembodiments detailed above. A mounting frame 310 is shown with a numberof keyhole openings 320. A retaining bar 330 is shown with a distal endprotruding from an end of the mounting frame 310. The system 300 in FIG.3 further shows a device 360 having a first side 362 and an opposingsecond side 364. In one embodiment, a first locking device 340 iscoupled to the retaining bar 330 to selectively lock the retaining barin a position within a range of motion. The first locking device in FIG.3 includes a first length of flexible material 342 and a first graspingmechanism 344 such as a cord lock device. In one embodiment, the firstlength of flexible material includes a cord material such as nylon.Other flexible materials are also within the scope of the invention.

Although one embodiment of the first locking device 340 is shown, otherconfigurations are within the scope of the invention that do notnecessarily include elements shown in FIG. 3. For example, a rigidmember such as a length of metal is attached to the retaining bar 330 inone embodiment that extends past the first side 362 of the device 360.In another embodiment, the retaining bar 330 itself extends past thefirst side 362 of the device 360. The portion of a selected element thatextends past the first side 362 of the device is available for graspingas described below. One advantage of embodiments using the first lengthof flexible material 342 includes the ability to accommodate severalsizes and shapes of devices 360 using inexpensive material such as nyloncord.

In one method of operation, the first length of flexible material 342 isextended past the first side 362 of the device 360, and the graspingmechanism 344 is butted against the first side 362 of the device 360while holding the first length of flexible material 342 taught. In thisway, tension is placed on the retaining bar 330, preventing unwantedmovement of the retaining bar from a closed position in the range ofmotion. The retaining bar 330 is selectively locked in position usingthe grasping mechanism 344, and actuation of the grasping mechanism 344allows the user to hold or release the locking device 340.

In one embodiment, a second locking device 350 is included. In anembodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the second locking device 350 includesa second length of flexible material 352 and a second grasping mechanism354 similar to the first locking device 340. Both the first and secondlocking devices 340 and 350 can be actuated to alternatively lock orunlock the retaining bar 330 or to further prevent unwanted motion ofthe retaining bar 330 in the range of motion. The use of multiplelocking devices has a further advantage of reducing vibration noise ofmovable elements such as the retaining bar 330.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a mounting system 400 similar toembodiments detailed above. A mounting frame 410 is shown with a numberof keyhole openings 420. A retaining bar 430 is shown with a distal endprotruding from an end of the mounting frame 410. The system 400 in FIG.4 further shows a device 460 having a side 462. A locking device 440 isshown including a connecting length 442 and a grasping mechanism 444. Inone embodiment, the grasping mechanism 444 includes a keyed lockcylinder 446 with internal workings (not shown) to selectively engagethe connecting length 442.

In operation, the grasping mechanism 444 is butted against the side 462of the device 460 and the keyed lock cylinder is actuated. Thus bylocking a range of motion 448 of the grasping device 444, the retainingbar 430 is locked in its range of motion, prohibiting removal of thedevice 460 from its mounted location. One advantage of the configurationshown in FIG. 4, includes theft deterrent of the device 460.

Although configurations described above illustrate vertical mounting,such as on a wall, it is noted that mounting on inclined surfaces with adevice tilting upward or downward are also possible. Further,configurations described above are also useful in mounting to a ceilingsurface, or steep incline. In one embodiment using a ceiling mount,multiple mounting strips as described above are used.

FIGS. 5A-5D show components of an embodiment of another mounting system.One embodiment of a first mounting frame 510 is shown in FIG. 5A. Thefirst mounting frame 510 includes a number of securing features 512 anda number of receptacles 514. In one embodiment the first mounting frame510 is adapted to secure to a vertical surface such as a wall. FIG. 5Bshows a second mounting frame 520. The second mounting frame 520includes a number of securing features 522. The second mounting frame520 further includes a number of mating features 524 adapted to engagethe number of receptacles 514. In one embodiment, the second mountingframe 520 further includes a number of retaining features 526. In oneembodiment the second mounting frame 520 is adapted to secure to adevice such as a display screen. Although the first mounting frame 510is described as mounting to a surface, and the second mounting frame 520is described as mounting to a device, this configuration can be reversedin other embodiments.

FIG. 5C shows one embodiment of a retaining bar 530. In one embodiment,the retaining bar includes a number of retaining features 532. Theretaining features include an entry portion 534 and a capture portion536. In one embodiment, the retaining features include slots arranged insubstantially an “L” shape as shown in FIG. 5C. One of ordinary skill inthe art, having the benefit of the present disclosure, will recognizethat retaining features other than slots such as alternate geometryportions, levers, linkages, cams, etc. are also within the scope of theinvention.

FIG. 5D shows one embodiment of a mounting system 550 utilizingcomponents from FIGS. 5A-5C. FIG. 6A shows a further embodiment of avideo display mounting system 600 according to an embodiment of theinvention. In one embodiment, the video display mounting system 600includes components as described in FIGS. 5A-5D. A video display 610 isshown adapted for coupling to the second mounting frame 520 usingfastener 612. The first mounting frame 510 is shown adapted for couplingto a wall or other surface 620 using fastener 622. FIG. 6B shows thevideo display 610 in a mounted state as shown from a side view. An entryportion 516 of the receptacle 514 is shown, as well as a capture portion518. In one embodiment, a locking device similar to embodimentsdescribed above is further used in conjunction with configurationsdescribed in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

In one method of operation, the number of mating features 524 are placedin the number of receptacles 514 through the entry portion 516, and intothe capture portion 518. The retaining bar 530 is then selectivelyactuated to move the capture portion 536 of the retaining feature 532into engagement with the retaining feature 526. When the video device610 is to be removed, the retaining bar 530 is selectively actuated inthe opposite direction.

FIG. 7A shows a mounting system 700 according to another embodiment ofthe invention. The mounting system 700 includes a mounting frame 710having a number of securing features 712. In one embodiment, a tray 716is further included. In one embodiment, the tray 716 is located over anumber of keyhole openings 722 similar to embodiments described above.In one embodiment, a number of cutouts 720 are formed in the tray 716,located over the keyhole openings. In one embodiment, the tray 716 isintegrally formed with the mounting frame 710, although the invention isnot so limited. Methods of integral forming include, but are not limitedto, extruding, drawing, casting, forging, etc.

A retaining device 730 is further shown in FIG. 7A. In one embodimentthe retaining device 730 includes a retaining bar. FIG. 7B shows theretaining device 730 from FIG. 7A along with related components. Anumber of retaining features 740 are shown in the retaining device 730.In one embodiment, the retaining features 740 include an entry portion742 and a capture portion 744. In one embodiment, the entry portion 742and the capture portion 744 includes slots arranged substantially in an“L” shape. In one embodiment, a guide slot 760 is further included alongwith a guide fastener 762. In one method of operation, the guide slot760 directs, and limits a range of motion 746 of the retaining device730 with respect to the mounting frame 710. In one embodiment, the guidefastener 762 includes a bolt with a portion that rides within the guideslot 760.

In operation, a mating feature 750 such as a shoulder bolt is insertedinto a keyhole opening 722 in a manner similar to embodiments describedabove. The mating feature will typically be secured to a back surface ofa device such as a video display device. In one embodiment, the matingfeature 750 passes through an entry portion and into a capture portionof the keyhole opening 722. Concurrently, the mating feature 750 passesthrough the entry portion 742 of the retaining feature 740 on theretaining device 730. If retaining of the mating feature 750 is desired,the retaining device is actuated in the range of motion 746 to bring thecapture portion 744 of the retaining feature 740 over the mating feature750. In one embodiment a locking device similar to those shown inembodiments above is further included in the mounting system 700. Thelocking device prevents unwanted movement of the retaining device forreasons such as vibration, bumping, etc.

A side view of an embodiment of the mounting system 700 is shown in FIG.7C. A number of fasteners 714 are further shown in FIG. 7C forattachment to a wall or other mounting surface. One of ordinary skill inthe art, having the benefit of the present disclosure will recognizethat several fastener options are possible in addition to the screw 714shown in FIG. 7C. For example, fasteners include, but are not limited toscrews, bolts, nails, tape, adhesives, etc.

The tray 716 is shown in profile in FIG. 7C. In one embodiment, the tray716 includes a lip portion 718. In one method of operation, the matingfeature 750 such as a shoulder bolt is coupled to a backside of a devicesuch as a video display device. It is frequently difficult to properlyalign the mating feature 750 with the keyhole opening 722 duringmounting because the device is in the way as it approaches the wall orother surface. One advantage of the tray 716 includes the ability torest the mating feature 750 on the tray 716 in any lateral position, notnecessarily over the keyhole opening 722. By sliding the mating featurealong the tray 716, the mating feature will eventually drop through thecutout 720 in the tray and thus align with the keyhole opening 722. Thispermits a user to mount a device to the mounting system 700 withoutseeing the keyhole opening 722 during mounting.

In one embodiment, the cutout 720 is shaped with a taper that furtherguides the mating feature 750 into the keyhole opening 722. In selectedembodiments, the lip portion 718 further aids in holding the matingfeature 750 within the tray 716 while laterally sliding the matingfeature along the tray 716 to locate the keyhole opening 722.

Although the use of the tray 716 for mounting is described above as avertical wall mounting configuration, as previously mentioned, theinvention is not so limited. The tray 716 also functions to helpalignment of the mating feature 750 in configurations such as on anincline, or on a ceiling, etc.

CONCLUSION

Using embodiments described above, a number of advantages are realized.One advantage includes a mounting system with a tray to help align amating feature with a keyhole opening. Another advantage includes amounting system with a retaining device to hold a mating feature withinthe mounting system for added security. Another advantage includes amounting system with a locking device to prohibit unwanted motion of theretaining device and theft protection.

Although selected advantages are detailed above, the list is notintended to be exhaustive. Although specific embodiments have beenillustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated toachieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodimentshown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations orvariations of the present invention. It is to be understood that theabove description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments will beapparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the abovedescription. The scope of the invention includes any other applicationsin which the above structures and fabrication methods are used.

1. A mounting system, comprising: a mounting frame for attachment to amounting surface; a keyhole opening in the mounting frame to accept amating feature on a device, the keyhole opening having an entry portion,and a capture portion; and a tray located adjacent to the entry portionof the keyhole opening, with a cutout in the tray providing access tothe entry portion of the keyhole opening.
 2. The mounting system ofclaim 1, wherein the keyhole opening includes a round entry portion anda slotted capture portion.
 3. The mounting system of claim 1, whereinthe tray further includes a lip portion.
 4. The mounting system of claim1, wherein the cutout includes a tapered slot.
 5. The mounting system ofclaim 1, wherein the tray is horizontally oriented on a wall surface. 6.A video display system, comprising: a video display device; at least onemating feature attached to a back surface of the video display device; amounting strip for attachment to a substantially vertical mountingsurface; a keyhole opening in the mounting strip to accept the matingfeature, the keyhole opening having an entry portion, and a captureportion; and a tray located adjacent to the entry portion of the keyholeopening, with a cutout in the tray providing access to the entry portionof the keyhole opening.
 7. The video display system of claim 6, whereinthe keyhole opening includes a round entry portion and a slotted captureportion.
 8. The video display system of claim 6, wherein the trayfurther includes a lip portion.
 9. The video display system of claim 6,wherein the mating feature includes a shoulder bolt.
 10. The videodisplay system of claim 6, wherein the cutout includes a tapered slot.11. A mounting system, comprising: a mounting strip for attachment to asubstantially vertical mounting surface; a plurality of keyhole openingsin the mounting strip to accept a mating feature on a device, eachkeyhole opening having an entry portion, and a capture portion; a traylocated adjacent to the entry portions of the keyhole openings, with acutout in the tray providing access to the entry portions of the keyholeopenings; and a retaining device that is movable in a range of motion,wherein a first position in the range of motion allows mating featuresaccess to the capture portion of the keyhole openings, and a secondposition locks the mating features in the capture portion of the keyholeopenings.
 12. The mounting system of claim 11, wherein the plurality ofkeyhole openings are spaced apart on multiples of 100 mm.
 13. Themounting system of claim 11, further including a locking device thatprohibits movement of the retaining device in the range of motion. 14.The mounting system of claim 13, wherein the locking device includes alength of cord coupled to the retaining device and a cord lock gripperon the length of cord.
 15. The mounting system of claim 13, wherein thelocking device includes a key lock to lock the retaining device at alocation in the range of motion.
 16. A video display mounting system,comprising: a mounting frame for attachment to a mounting surface; areceptacle in the mounting frame to receive a mating feature on thevideo display mounting system, the receptacle having an entry portion,and a capture portion; a retaining bar that is movable in a range ofmotion, wherein a first position in the range of motion allows themating feature access to the capture portion of the receptacle, and asecond position retains the mating feature in the capture portion of thereceptacle; and a locking device that when actuated fixes movement ofthe retaining device in relation to an edge of the video display. 17.The video display mounting system of claim 16, further including asecond locking device that fixes movement of the retaining device inrelation to a second edge of the video display.
 18. The video displaymounting system of claim 16, wherein the locking device includes alength of cord coupled to the retaining device and a cord lock gripperon the length of cord.
 19. The video display mounting system of claim16, wherein the locking device includes a solid extending member coupledto the retaining device and a key lock.
 20. A video display mountingsystem, comprising: a mounting frame for attachment to a substantiallyvertical mounting surface; a holding means in the mounting frame toaccept a mating feature on a device, the holding means having an entryportion, and a capture portion; a retaining means that is movable in arange of motion, wherein a first position in the range of motion allowsthe mating feature access to the capture portion of the holding means,and a second position retains the mating feature in the capture portionof the holding means; and a locking means that when actuated fixesmovement of the retaining means in relation to an edge of the videodisplay.
 21. The video display mounting system of claim 20, wherein theholding means includes a keyhole opening.
 22. The video display mountingsystem of claim 20, wherein the retaining means includes a retainingbar.
 23. The video display mounting system of claim 20, wherein thelocking means includes a length of cord coupled to the retaining meansand a cord lock gripper on the length of cord.